Page 55 of My Downfall

The black square box is burning a hole in my jacket pocket. I want it on her finger already. I want to make her mine in every way.

“So you went to college with him?” We’re on our way to have dinner with my friend and his wife. It’s been nearly a year since I’ve seen them, and I think Mia is going to get on very well with both of them.

“Yeah, he went to college in the States, but he moved back here after.”

“Okay, and his wife is Paige and their son is Charlie?”

“Yes, he’s just under a year old and they’ve got another one on the way.”

We walk onto the side street where they live; if I had a house in London, I’d want one like Grayson’s.

“Oh my God,” she gasps next to me. “This is so cute.” He lives in a mews house in Chelsea. They’re the most deceptive houses you’ve ever seen in your life. They look like these small, quaint little places all pressed together, but inside they’re huge and stunning — at least Grayson’s is.

“Wait until you see inside.”

She spins to face me and throws her arms around my neck. “Thank you,” she breathes against my lips. “Thank you for sharing this with me.”

“I want to share everything with you.”

I press my forehead against hers as we stand there together, our arms wrapped around each other and our breaths in sync.

“You going to stand there all night?” We both turn to see my friend in the doorway, a large smile covering his face and his son in his arms.

“Oh wow,” she murmurs next to me.

“Careful, baby,” I warn.

“I can appreciate a hot guy, Hudson, especially one holding a baby. I promise I won’t touch.”

“Make sure you don’t. You’re mine.”

A young blonde appears behind him; she looks tiny in comparison to him despite being several months pregnant with their second child. I can imagine it’s how Mia and I look together.

“Hudson, it’s been too long.” He pulls me into a hug as Paige takes Charlie from his arms. We embrace like the good friends we are andgive each other the universal back slap. It’s a necessity amongst men, don’t try telling us any different.

“How you been, Gray?” He didn’t always have the life he’s got now. He has a son who’s an absolute asshole by a woman who shouldn’t be allowed to walk this earth, so I was fucking ecstatic when he eventually found Paige.

“I feel like I won the lottery,” he rasps as we let each other go.

“Nah, you’re richer than that.” We’re laughing as I lean over and give Paige a kiss on each cheek and run my hand over their son’s hair. “Paige, you’re more beautiful than ever; he doesn’t deserve you.” I hear my friend growl as I turn and pull Mia into my side.

“I’d like you to meet my girl, Mia. Sweet pea, this is Grayson and his wife, Paige.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Mia.” Paige smiles at her.

“Well, you’re far too gorgeous for this oldie.”

“I’ve grown quite fond of thisoldie,” she responds to him but looks up at me.

I don’t want you to befondof me, I want you toloveme.

“Ha! I like her,” Grayson laughs as he leads us into the house.

“She’s practically my age,” she whispers out the side of her mouth as we follow them down into the kitchen.

“Mmhmm,” I hum back.

“You didn’t tell me your friend was a pervert like you.”